The Dilemma of ‘Nationhood’ and Religion: A Survey and Critique of Studies on Population Displacement Resulting from the Partition of the Indian Subcontinent
Аннотация:The volume of migration following the 1947 partition of the Indian subcontinent formed the largest and most spatially concentrated streams of refugees in modern history. This article attempts to compensate for the lack of comprehensive reviews on this issue by, first, surveying studies on population displacements resulting from the partition, and second, critically evaluating this information. The study is composed of four thematic parts designed to frame the existing disparate and fragmentary literature on the subject The first part deals with explanations of the partition, causes of migration, and the nature and role of nationalism and religion in the founding of separate states. The second part evaluates demographic aspects such as the magnitude, direction and impact of population displacement Given the fact that post-partition migration formed the largest flow of displaced population of this century, the available demographic data, ironically, are chiefly often unreliable approximations. In the third part, the focus is placed upon individuals, and particularly on the experience of the refugees themselves. This part assesses work on refugee survival strategies, trauma, the rebuilding process, and dependence op institutional aid. The fourth thematic part considers issues concerning rehabilitation. Special attention is given to government policies and programmes which treated refugees as a distinct ethnic group. Finally, directions for future research are recommended, including consolidating research efforts for multidisciplinary study; more coverage of less-studied geographical areas; directing further attention towards contemporary and critical issues, such as gender, ethnicity, state-society conflicts and the ecological implications of population displacement; and enhancing the interaction between academics and policy-makers.
